Elder True DeMille

Sunday, May 31, 2015

I wish I had more insane news about my family, and crazy experiences to share with you this week, but, haha.. I'll be honest -- I don't have much more than the next guy! However, I hope it suffices you to say that my sweet grandparents (mostly grandmothers, though technically Grand-Aunts in english) shoot me little texts every now and then like, "Hey, I'm sure you're working so hard! Keep up the good work, and don't forget to take an umbrella today! It's going to rain, be careful!" along with "Are you eating well? Sleeping well? Keep working hard, and make sure to drink lots of water, it's hot outside!" Hahaha. Aren't they the cutest?

A while back I sent a mass-email out filled with quotes - just random things I had heard people say along the course of my mission, and I thought I'd make a "round two", since, well -- there wasn't too much to share this week. So, my friends, I hope they inspire you to do good, be good, or become good! Enjoy a few quotes, and have a wonderful week!

"Today I will obey. Tomorrow I will understand." Elder Lee Seung Bong

"It's not that God stops - it's that faith lessens." Elder James Thorup

"Charity is the most basic thing of our nature." Elder James Thorup

"While it is a compliment to him that many of the great and mighty of this world know and honor him, perhaps it is an even greater tribute that many of the lowly call him friend." Joseph B. Wirthlin

"Real strength is allowing people to see that you're human, that you're vulnerable and imperfect. It takes real strength to show those traits and heart, and give of your self and person to others, knowing that they may take advantage of you or try to hurt you. But they shouldn't mistake kindness or gentleness for weakness. I respect men with big hearts and kind spirits, they're infinitely stronger to me than the guy always trying to show people how tough he is." Tony DeMille

"That 3 or 4 second long sentence can have a lifelong impact - and that's converting power. That's why testifying is important." Elder Scott Clawson

"Learn the language and build the kingdom." Elder Westbrook

"Honoring agency does not mean embracing anarchy." Mark A. Matthews

"Sometimes in life we just have to square our shoulders and do it. There is no magic pill that makes us courageous, no passage of time that strengthens us, no memorized approach that emboldens us. We are left only with the compelling counsel of King Benjamin: 'And now, if ye believe all these things, see that ye do them.' (Mosiah 4:19)" Tad R. Callister

"Cherish the challenge." Sister Riley Wright

"If you can make a friend that - who's bond will go beyond all bounds of missionary work - you will find success." Sister Carter

"Progression isn't always comfortable." Elder Maris

"No one expects you to save the world. Otherwise you would have been born wearing a cape and tights. ..Just do the best you can." Anonymous

"A sharp knife cuts what it has to and leaves the rest intact. A dull knife tears." President Morrise

"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day - TODAY - and I'm going to be happy in it." Groucho Marx

"Lord, we know we're weak, but we're gonna go hard." Elder Nemelka

"The Lord calls us in our weakness - but he qualifies us for the work." Joseph Smith Movie

Monday, May 25, 2015

I wish, with all my heart I could just write every ounce of every event that happened this week, or even just YESTERDAY for that matter, but man.. I haven't even finished writing it all down in my journal yet! ..However, I figure the more I tell the stories, and try to do this all in detail, the more it'll probably pay off for all of us in the long run.. right? So, here goes! I'll do my best to include everything I can (that's not too minor) and help you all experience what I experienced yesterday.

MEETING MY FAMILY!

We woke up, and spent the morning tossin' some good ol' disc for exercise at a local elementary school, talking with each other about the crazy events that could unfold as we had planned to meet my family just a few hours later that morning. Elder Hendricks and Doyle kept saying that I was going to end up in Sydney with my Uncle YK, but I told them no way. I'd be back by 9 at the latest (pm) and would have killed the game. So, after exercise, Elder Miller and I basically spent an hour and a half trying to look ..well, good. ..Haha we both felt so silly -- like we were getting ready for some kind of date, but man! This was important!

After we were all prepped and red- to go, we set out! We bought some water so I could take my motion sickness pills and made it to the City Hall where I met my two new grandmas, Kim JW, and Kim JS, her younger sister. Sooo cool!! They were so excited, and started waving their hands like crazy when we were just a little ways down the road. We ran up and got the biggest hugs ever, and were also met by a very stylish son of Kim JS. Super cool. He drove us all the way to our house in Yeoju, and on the way, we just talked and talked and talked. Grandma JS called dibs on the middle seat, and Elder Miller took the front so I could be with the family. We talked about everything. I took out my photos I had printed (sent from my wonderful mother who is somehow prepared for everything), and they flipped! I explained my family, and Grandma JW originally thought I was from Liz's side (my mom's sis), but we got things cleared right up when Grandma JS stepped in to correct her, hahaha.

I heard tons of great things about my Grandpa Don, like how he was the most handsome man out of any foreigner or American they had ever seen, and how even though he wasn't the best at speaking Korean, he was incredibly fun, courteous, and astoundingly good at flipping through his handy Kor-Eng Dictionary. Hahaha. And how when he didn't know what to say, or what anyone else was saying he'd just throw his hands up in the air and say, "I don't know!" (in Korean, haha). I learned that most of them communicated with him through English because they learned it in school and had it fresh in their minds. But none of them would let me test out their English skills now -- they said it'd been far too long, hahaha. We talked forever - and an hour and a half passed like 20 minutes. The driver of our car works for Volkswagen (fun fact), and was really nice too. They had me tell stories of how I tried to find them, and were so thankful that I had. ..Goodness. I'm thankful too. What are the odds?!

After the (supposedly) long ride, they said "We're here!" in the middle of the most beautiful No man's land I'd ever seen. Beautiful, lush green mountains and rice fields everywhere, dotted with old, Asian style houses from back in the 50's. Just amazing, seriously. We took a small side road down to the house where my family was waiting outside for me. And man, meeting them was amazing. I wish you could hear Elder Miller's side of the story too, hahaha. When we first got there I greeted a few people with bows, hugs, and waves, and my poor Grandma Han (My oldest Grandpa Kim's wife) thought that Elder Miller was the foreign grandson she had been waiting for! After the mistake and a few laughs, she was pretty silent towards Elder Miller, haha. Sweet lady. ..We went into the house, kids occupied inside by watching Ghost videos on Youtube via a cellphone, and others telling and explaining to me who they were, and how we were related, and man, it was nuts.

Soon after, my Uncle YG started drawing me an entire family tree - of everyone he could think of, and that was helpful beyond belief. He taught me how to call everyone, title wise, and what was ok, and what was not. Great guy. I learned well! Then, we sat down for meal number 1. This was "Breakfast" at 10am. Maybe 11? Whenever it was, we ate ALL homemade food that was just ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! My littlest nephew dubbed me as "Uncle Spiderman" the minute I walked in the door because he's obsessed with superheroes (He's 4, Korean age -- so think 3, and Iron Man is his favorite. I got a few repulsor blasts to the face, mind you, haha) and thinks I look just like Peter Parker from "The Amazing Spiderman" movie that came out (just barely for me, a while ago for you). ..So, that was awesome. He'd shoot me with web and lasers, and had my try all sorts of different foods, and kept asking me "Does Spiderman eat a lot?" Hahah. Too good. Haha and they dubbed Elder Miller "Uncle DiCaprio" -- it was hilarious, and the food was amazing, and it was crazy to think that it was really all just for me. like…..WOW.

After having a great time eating, we rounded up the kids, and started talking again. We showed everyone the pictures I brought, and Uncle YG started to explain the family tree again to me. Then, my Grandma Kim from back home called! We talked for a while, and I told her who I had met and who did what, and how great everything was, and ..man, it was awesome. Then, later my Uncle YK in Australia told my mom to call, and when she did -- everyone in the house freaked out because no one can speak English! Haha! So, of course, I had to answer the phone, and be just as confused as my mother. ..Both of us didn't really know why the other was calling, hahaha. But hey! It's always good to hear from my mom. Later on, we took a tour of the old house, which was just a kilometer or so away.

There, Uncle YG explained to me where everything happened, how it all worked, where my grandma was born, where my great grandmother died, and so forth. It was nuts. Cool outside stoves, trees planted by my great grandpa that are now gigantronourmous, and everything else you could imagine. ..RAD.

After that, I came back to the house for meal number 2. ...This one having so much meat I was gonna pass out. ..Not only was this meat delicious, but it too was homemade, and THE BEST MEAT I'VE HAD IN KOREA. ..Probably in my life, to be honest, hahah. It was great. We set up a picnic outside in the backyard, and cooked all the meat, and sat down for a rad little meal. I ate SO much, and couldn't finish all the meat. ..I know, right? Me + Meat = nothing left and a starving belly.

But not this time. ..HOLY COW THERE WAS SO MUCH MEAT. Not to mention the best salts, spices, onions, and everything. Unbeatable. And I've been selected as the "chosen one" to grill/bbq the next batch for Chuseok or out next big family get together, since I'm now the youngest relative, haha, or the youngest that's able to do so. ..Man, family is so fun!

After we ate, we sat around some more and just had some solid family time. I got to talk a lot with my oldest Grandpa Kim, who just lost all of his teeth because he got really sick. But, he seems to be doing a lot better, and we hope he hangs in there longer. They thought he was going to pass away a few months ago, and when he heard that they found me, he said he wanted to see me before he died. ..Mission accomplished. And man, even that guy knows a bit of english!

Other highlights.. Man, I really don't know what else to say. It's still all in my head, I'm just going through the situations and experiences over and over and over in my head, and I'm just so happy about how it all played out. ..The fact that we could even communicate is just so beyond me.. but man, I'm so thankful things worked out the way they did. So, I'm sure there are tons of questions, as I know I have a bunch too -- but I don't have the time to write down every single thing haha. There will be stories for days about these cute little nephews and niece of mine, and so much to ask my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. It feels amazing to be a part of such a big family.

..So, I'll keep you posted, and can't wait to meet them again.

Love you all! Sorry if I didn't email you back, this and the 400+ pictures I had to upload took some time!

Sunday, May 24, 2015

We will all need to wait just one more day for Elder DeMille’s letter because this is happening right now!!! This is Elder DeMille with all but one of his Grandma’s siblings. Not only has he tracked down his long lost family members … he has actually met many of them face to face now! We are thrilled back home and can’t wait for more pictures and his account of this tomorrow! Stay tuned …

Monday, May 18, 2015

Here is a fun shirt we have designed for our sweet Elder DeMille and his friends to help give them an extra boost of encouragement to finish up their missions. These are available to the public as well for a limited time. If you are interested in purchasing yourself or a loved one, please just click this link: http://teespring.com/wear-finish-the-fight

We will be using the proceeds to put care packages together for missionaries in need.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Remember that weird poem about me ending up at a Police Station that one time? ..Haha well, let me explain that.

I'm not sure if you know, or remember, but I'm a quarter Korean! My grandma is a full-blood Korean, and I love her to death. Wayyyy back when, my Grandma Kim lived in Korea, and left around 1971, after marrying my stud of a Grandpa Don - headed for Oregon. ..Because they moved so far away, and because of a couple other random circumstances, my grandma lost touch with my relatives here in Korea. ..But, I didn't really know any of this until I got my mission call. I just assumed I didn't really have any relatives. ..When I got assigned to Korea, though, my grandma filled me in, and sent me off with two addresses - both at least 20 years old. And one 15 year old phone number. ...But I was determined. I asked my MTC teachers about it, and since then have made it one of my purposes here in Korea.. ..to find my family!

This is my Korean family, 1970

...I've given speeches at Family History Conventions, I've talked to countless ward members, government officials, random neighbors, and basically every "Kim" I meet about my family -- and how in the world I'm supposed to find them. My friend Sean helped me try to track them down, but without much success. ...Then, like I said earlier -- after having gained a year and a half-ish worth's of Korean, and meeting my wonderful new "Korean grandpa - Mr. Lo", we spent a few hours at the Police station filling out "missing persons" forms.

My Grandma Kim (middle), with two sister and mother, 1970

...Three weeks went by,

and I got a phone call.

..Before I knew it, I had received new updated numbers for the two people I was trying to find, one of my grandma's older brothers, and a younger sister. I ended up being able to talk to my grand-uncle for over a HALF AN HOUR!! He was SO stoked to talk to me, and the police had already told him a TON about me, it was crazy! We talked about me, him, my family, my grandma, and he even remembered my mom from clear back when she was 8 years old! Sooo wild! He guessed her name and everything! This family has been worrying SO much about MY family back home!

This is my great-grandmother with her oldest son and wife and my mom and aunt visiting, 1980

Then, as if miracles couldn't come any faster, within two days I had talked to at least 5 of my different relatives all across Korea, from Seoul to Busan, Yongdam to Yeosu, Songnam and Chungu, and even a few relatives who moved to Australia!

The man who lives in Australia is my Grandma's oldest brother's, oldest son. He was one of the nicest people I've ever talked to over the phone, and was so considerate. He asked loads of questions, and I got to talk to his wife and son, (his son being 23 years old, born in Australia, and fluent in English, how cool!) -- who couldn't stop talking about how excited they were to hear from me. When I got back on the phone with his father, he switched to dad mode and I was blown away.Are you ok?Can you sleep alright?Are you sure?Do you need anything?How is living in Korea?Is everything comfortable?Can you eat well?You don't drink, right? ..Because lots of young people drink around Korea, and you've got to be very careful -- especially if you're not confident in your Korean. If there is anything you need, please call...And remember, your family in Korea is SO BIG. ..True, you're never alone -- call me anytime. Whenever you have questions, concerns, hardships, when you feel lonely, just call us. Any of us! Are you sure you don't need anything?Money? Food? Anything??

Grandma Kim's oldest brother and wife, 1970

..Man, it was insane. These people are amazing.

I've also found that two sons of my grandma's younger sister are pastors! Haha! They're killing the church game, and her older sister wants to learn about our church, since she only believes that .. well, whichever God we believe in -- we come from the same one. ..And two of them own restaurants down in Yeosu, and promised to feed me fish, steak, and delicious Kimchi if I come. Hahahaha. I can't tell you how many times I've had to explain to them that I can't just hop on a plane and fly down to Busan in 2 hours, no matter how many times they offer me a ticket, hahaha. I love them already, and I have yet to meet any of them! We're hoping I can meet them this upcoming Monday (25th), and finish connecting some loose ties.

Grandma's 3 sisters, mother and brother-in-law, 1975

..I can't even explain how surreal this all is. I feel like everything I'm supposed to accomplish on my mission is done. ..Except for meeting them. It's wild. ..I know I'm not done but -- that huge part of my drive... it's finally become a reality, and I'm not quite sure what to do other than just celebrate until I go home, hahaha. It's insane.

..So, if you've got questions, hit me. But until then.. hahaha.. I'm still trying to figure it all out for myself, hahaha. SO. MANY. NAMES.

Pray for even more miracles.

..You'll get them.

Two of Grandma's sisters and mother with same brother-in-law above, 1970

...Sometimes it just takes a year or so of everything you've got, a lot of tests, a lot of days filled with empty hands, and just a little more desire.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

I decided it's been a while since I wrote a rap about the times. So here you go! Here's how I spent my week!

Monday, started out real sweetWe rolled out of bed, and started our week -Got studies done quick, then walked out the doorcheckin' our watch it was like 8:24!We hopped over to the church, with permissions and suchTo catch a ride with my grandpa, and boy, is he clutch!His name's Lo won ha (노원하), sporting a Countryman Cooper,Born in '47 - quite the fresh super trooper. He took Moon and I to the policer-man stationSo there we could get our hands on a real investigation.I filled out the papers, Elder Moon called Grandma Kimfor some extra information due to the pinch we were in.she said she'd send it later, so we peaced out real quick,and my Grandpa Mr. Lo fed us noodles quite thick!Then I choked on a pepper, so hot I thought I'd die-But thankfully instead of death only tears I did cry.By then it was late, but I still hit the fam-And they were doing great! Even my "Pops" from Siam.After the words on the comp we headed out to meet bros,And where could we meet but.. ..good ol' Yeongdeungpo!We met up with Sean, Elder Ellsworth and Meeks,And even Elder Pruner, whom I haven't seen in weeks!

It was a blast, we played ping-pong and such,Then after the math Sean took us out for late lunch!We ate my fav- Gamaro, and the man recognized me!I was so surprised he was so surprised that.. well,it surprised me!We munched all our chicken, and sipped the free drank,Then met a Finnish guy on the way home. ..Eurig. Not Frank.When Tuesday rolled around I thought it preposterousThat our Anyang zone met in Sanbon for Zone Conference!But we left real early, and on the bus my bag broke..then later on so did my watch.. ..haha. ..That's all she wrote. We hiked all around, then challenged the Prezto a "7-minute workout", and man, were we dead!We took some silly photos, after we all heard him say,"Thank you so much! You've made the President's day!"That was that, we headed back hometo teach English class -- you know, "When in Rome"~When Wednesday rolled around, there was much pleadingto not have an extra long Dist-er-ict Meeting. Things went real smooth, we all had a nice timeAnd on our way home we dropped by the fuzz one more time.We filled out the paper, the "Missing Persons" forms,Then did a few shakes at a cool new book store! That was pretty rad, and all we did that day,Even got stood up by our investigators when it got to be late.So then onto Thursday, which was "Dorseldermaphobia"Says Elder Doyle.. ..Who probably came from Cambodia. At this time we spent a few hours in the sun,Doing service and painting a WALL! ..Man, SO MUCH FUN!

That was the day, and the time came and went,And our investigators stood us up again.. .. rough time spent!Friday is often referred to as "burning" (in Korea)If I had to guess why.. it's probably cause our minds hurt from learning..We planned our next week for 3 hours or so,Then did some flyering at a waterfall.. (In Korean, Pokpo!)Nailed some shopping, with pizza for lunch,And sipped on some soda instead of fruit punch. Saturday was normal, with English class and a dinnerAt our dear member's house.. ..she's such a winner!And then, here we are, it's Sunday for you. Though Monday for me, I had a great Sunday too!I hope yours is the same, feeling the Spirit and such -I mean, that's what counts, right? That "Family" touch? Here's the end of my extra long poem.......Uh....Ta dahhh. Hahaha

So … I figured you may need the Gift of Tongues to figure out what in the world I'm saying here, but -- I believe in you. I know you can do it!

To be honest, this morning I was studying the gift of tongues, along with Chapter 7 in Preach My Gospel, which is all about language learning. ..And, I learned today that, well, the Gift of Tongues doesn't only apply to foreign languages, but normal everyday language as well! Chapter 7 says this:

"When you feel you are struggling to express yourself as clearly as you would like, remember that the Spirit is able to speak to the hearts of all of God's children." "There is one language.. that is common to each [of God's children]-- the language of the Spirit. It is not learned from textbooks written by men of letters; nor is it acquired through reading and memorization. The language of the Spirit comes to him who seeks with all his heart to know God and keep His divine commandments. Proficiency in this language permits one to break barriers, overcome obstacles, and touch the human heart."

..Cool, right?

Then I went on to read in James 3, which is all about taming our tongues.

It's long, but worth it. It says,

"1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents,and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts,glory not, and lie not against the truth.15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly,sensual, devilish.16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

Remember that we should use our Gift of Tongues to rightfully interpret that which we say to other people, as well as spread this kind of love that we can through the sweet words we know. Let us all be a well of sweet, fresh water, and try our hardest to forsake and forget the salty, bitter water we often keep inside the well within us.